How to control Hardware or external switches

  • Thread starter Thread starter HotRod
  • Start date Start date
H

HotRod

Can anyone point me to devices that can be used to control external
hardware, like low voltage switches and if possible even return a state?
I've heard something about devices called USB widgets that may do this but
haven't been able to find anything in my searches. I'd just like to control
some small switches and such in my shop from the PC. THANKS
 
HotRod said:
Can anyone point me to devices that can be used to control external
hardware, like low voltage switches and if possible even return a state?
I've heard something about devices called USB widgets that may do this but
haven't been able to find anything in my searches. I'd just like to control
some small switches and such in my shop from the PC. THANKS
Click to expand...
Usually the first step in finding something like this is to go to Google.
For example, a quick unrefined search for "usb interface relay contact"
turned up 10 pages of results. Of course not all of them are going to be
winners but the first one, http://www.ontrak.net/ADU200.htm , looks to be
spot on for general switch-type device control.
 
Depends on how you want to do this:
o Over the mains wiring
---- Type "X10" into Google, plenty of offerings from small to large
o Direct relay control via kits/prebuilt
---- 8-channel relay controller and others on the net ~35-50£/$
o More sophisticated I/O boards
---- from hobbyist thro the industrial offerings

I'd take a look through the X10 area even if that's not what you want
to do, just to get an idea of what is possible - both re h/w & s/w.

Check the s/w out carefully - some may be somewhat legacy.
 
Can anyone point me to devices that can be used to control external
hardware, like low voltage switches and if possible even return a state?
I've heard something about devices called USB widgets that may do this but
haven't been able to find anything in my searches. I'd just like to control
some small switches and such in my shop from the PC. THANKS
Click to expand...


Depending on how good you are at electronics...

Cypress do a whole range usb interfacing 8051 based micros.A simple
EZUSB FX2 micro circuit need only contain a 3 resistors, 2 caps and a
crystal. This series offers 3 bytewide ports.

Very nice.


-- Chris
 
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